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Chicago Heat Wave Claims Five Lives, Opens Cooling Centers

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Chicago entered a heat wave on July 14, 2026, as O’Hare recorded 92 °F Monday and 96 °F Tuesday.
State health officials kept an air-quality alert through Wednesday and warned that wildfire smoke could worsen Thursday-Friday.
They reported five heat-related deaths in Chicago since July 1, 2026.
Illinois EPA declared an air-pollution action day for Monday-Tuesday.
Department of Family and Support Services opened six cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 90 °F.

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Story summary

Chicago entered a heat wave on July 14, 2026, as O’Hare recorded 92 °F Monday and 96 °F Tuesday.
State health officials kept an air-quality alert through Wednesday and warned that wildfire smoke could worsen Thursday-Friday.
They reported five heat-related deaths in Chicago since July 1, 2026.
Illinois EPA declared an air-pollution action day for Monday-Tuesday.
Department of Family and Support Services opened six cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 90 °F.